Cultivation of Chroococcidiopsis thermalis Using Available In Situ Resources to Sustain Life on Mars.

The cultivation of cyanobacteria by exploiting available in situ resources represents a possible way to supply food and oxygen to astronauts during long-term crewed missions on Mars. Here, we evaluated the possibility of cultivating the extremophile cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis thermalis CCALA 050 under operating conditions that should occur within a dome hosting a recently patented process to produce nutrients and oxygen on Mars. The medium adopted to cultivate this cyanobacterium, named Martian medium, was obtained using a mixture of regolith leachate and astronauts' urine simulants that would be available in situ resources whose exploitation could reduce the mission payload. The results demonstrated that C. thermalis can grow in such a medium. For producing high biomass, the best medium consisted of specific percentages (40%vol) of Martian medium and a standard medium (60%vol). Biomass produced in such a medium exhibits excellent antioxidant properties and contains significant amounts of pigments. Lipidomic analysis demonstrated that biomass contains strategic lipid classes able to help the astronauts facing the oxidative stress and inflammatory phenomena taking place on Mars. These characteristics suggest that this strain could serve as a valuable nutritional resource for astronauts.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Behavior under Microgravity: From Stress Response to a Premature Senescence.

Mesenchymal stem cells are undifferentiated cells able to acquire different phenotypes under specific stimuli. Wharton's jelly is a tissue in the umbilical cord that contains mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) with a high plasticity and differentiation potential. Their regeneration capability is compromised by cell damage and aging. The main cause of cell damage is oxidative stress coming from an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant species. Microgravity represents a stressing condition able to induce ROS production, ultimately leading to different subcellular compartment damages. Here, we analyzed molecular programs of stemness (Oct-4; SOX2; Nanog), cell senescence, p19, p21 (WAF1/CIP1), p53, and stress response in WJ-MSCs exposed to microgravity. From our results, we can infer that a simulated microgravity environment is able to influence WJ-MSC behavior by modulating the expression of stress and stemness-related genes, cell proliferation regulators, and both proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes. Our results suggest a cellular adaptation addressed to survival occurring during the first hours of simulated microgravity, followed by a loss of stemness and proliferation capability, probably related to the appearance of a molecular program of senescence.

Untargeted Lipidomics of Erythrocytes under Simulated Microgravity Conditions.

Lipidomics and metabolomics are nowadays widely used to provide promising insights into the pathophysiology of cellular stress disorders. Our study expands, with the use of a hyphenated ion mobility mass spectrometric platform, the understanding of the cellular processes and stress due to microgravity. By lipid profiling of human erythrocytes, we annotated complex lipids such as oxidized phosphocholines, phosphocholines bearing arachidonic in their moiety, as well as sphingomyelins and hexosyl ceramides associated with microgravity conditions. Overall, our findings give an insight into the molecular alterations and identify erythrocyte lipidomics signatures associated with microgravity conditions. If the present results are confirmed in future studies, they may help to develop suitable treatments for astronauts after return to Earth.

Development of p-Tau Differentiated Cell Model of Alzheimer's Disease to Screen Novel Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by an initial accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, along with the depletion of cholinergic markers. The currently available therapies for AD do not present any disease-modifying effects, with the available in vitro platforms to study either AD drug candidates or basic biology not fully recapitulating the main features of the disease or being extremely costly, such as iPSC-derived neurons. In the present work, we developed and validated a novel cell-based AD model featuring Tau hyperphosphorylation and degenerative neuronal morphology. Using the model, we evaluated the efficacy of three different groups of newly synthesized acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, along with a new dual acetylcholinesterase/glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor, as potential AD treatment on differentiated SH-SY5Y cells treated with glyceraldehyde to induce Tau hyperphosphorylation, and subsequently neurite degeneration and cell death. Testing of such compounds on the newly developed model revealed an overall improvement of the induced defects by inhibition of AChE alone, showing a reduction of S396 aberrant phosphorylation along with a moderate amelioration of the neuron-like morphology. Finally, simultaneous AChE/GSK3 inhibition further enhanced the limited effects observed by AChE inhibition alone, resulting in an improvement of all the key parameters, such as cell viability, morphology, and Tau abnormal phosphorylation.

Adverse Reactions after the Third Dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine among Medical School Residents in a Regional Reference University Hospital in Italy.

The recent emergence of new variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 and the uncertain duration of protection provided by the primary immunization cycle have highlighted the need for COVID-19 booster vaccinations. However, only a few studies have assessed the safety and reactogenicity profile of mRNA booster doses. Therefore, we conducted an online survey with the aim of assessing the adverse reaction profile in the 7 days following a third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine in a population of resident physicians who had already been investigated after the primary vaccination. Among the 512 resident physicians (female = 53.2%, mean age = 29.8 years) invited to participate in the survey, 222 completed the survey (56.5% female, mean age of 29.9 years), with an average time from second to third dose of 8.6 months. The most common adverse reactions were local pain (88.3%), fatigue (58.1%), muscle/joint pain (44.1%), and headache (38.3%), all subsiding in 48-72 h. While the local reaction rate was similar to that following the first two doses, the systemic reactions were considerably less common and milder compared to the second vaccination. Nonetheless, over one third (36.1%) of participants reported interference with their normal activities. These results complement our previous findings and could aid occupational and public health professionals in the counselling of vaccinees.

Characterization of nanomaterials synthesized from Spirulina platensis extract and their potential antifungal activity.

Nowadays, fungal infections increase, and the demand of novel antifungal agents is constantly rising. In the present study, silver, titanium dioxide, cobalt (II) hydroxide and cobalt (II,III) oxide nanomaterials have been synthesized from Spirulina platensis extract. The synthesis mechanism has been studied using GCMS and FTIR thus confirming the involvement of secondary metabolites, mainly amines. The obtained products have been analysed using XRD, SEM, TGA and zeta potential techniques. The findings revealed average crystallite size of 15.22 nm with 9.72 nm for oval-shaped silver nanoparticles increasing to 26.01 nm and 24.86 nm after calcination and 4.81 nm for spherical-shaped titanium dioxide nanoparticles which decreased to 4.62 nm after calcination. Nanoflake shape has been observed for cobalt hydroxide nanomaterials and for cobalt (II, III) oxide with crystallite size of 3.52 nm and 13.28 nm, respectively. Silver nanoparticles showed the best thermal and water dispersion stability of all the prepared structures. Once subjected to three different Candida species (C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. krusei) silver nanoparticles and cobalt (II) hydroxide nanomaterials showed strong antifungal activity at 50 µg/mL with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. After light exposition, MIC values for nanomaterials decreased (to 12.5 µg/mL) for C. krusei and increased (100 µg/mL) for C. albicans and C. glabrata.

Understanding the Behaviour of Human Cell Types under Simulated Microgravity Conditions: The Case of Erythrocytes.

Erythrocytes are highly specialized cells in human body, and their main function is to ensure the gas exchanges, O2 and CO2, within the body. The exposure to microgravity environment leads to several health risks such as those affecting red blood cells. In this work, we investigated the changes that occur in the structure and function of red blood cells under simulated microgravity, compared to terrestrial conditions, at different time points using biochemical and biophysical techniques. Erythrocytes exposed to simulated microgravity showed morphological changes, a constant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), a significant reduction in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), a remarkable and constant decrease in total glutathione (GSH) concentration, and an augmentation in malondialdehyde (MDA) at increasing times. Moreover, experiments were performed to evaluate the lipid profile of erythrocyte membranes which showed an upregulation in the following membrane phosphocholines (PC): PC16:0_16:0, PC 33:5, PC18:2_18:2, PC 15:1_20:4 and SM d42:1. Thus, remarkable changes in erythrocyte cytoskeletal architecture and membrane stiffness due to oxidative damage have been found under microgravity conditions, in addition to factors that contribute to the plasticity of the red blood cells (RBCs) including shape, size, cell viscosity and membrane rigidity. This study represents our first investigation into the effects of microgravity on erythrocytes and will be followed by other experiments towards understanding the behaviour of different human cell types in microgravity.

Wide Range Applications of Spirulina: From Earth to Space Missions.

Spirulina is the most studied cyanobacterium species for both pharmacological applications and the food industry. The aim of the present review is to summarize the potential benefits of the use of Spirulina for improving healthcare both in space and on Earth. Regarding the first field of application, Spirulina could represent a new technology for the sustainment of long-duration manned missions to planets beyond the Lower Earth Orbit (e.g., Mars); furthermore, it could help astronauts stay healthy while exposed to a variety of stress factors that can have negative consequences even after years. As far as the second field of application, Spirulina could have an active role in various aspects of medicine, such as metabolism, oncology, ophthalmology, central and peripheral nervous systems, and nephrology. The recent findings of the capacity of Spirulina to improve stem cells mobility and to increase immune response have opened new intriguing scenarios in oncological and infectious diseases, respectively.

Endothelial Cell Plasma Membrane Biomechanics Mediates Effects of Pro-Inflammatory Factors on Endothelial Mechanosensors: Vicious Circle Formation in Atherogenic Inflammation.

Chronic low-grade vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. In endothelial cells (ECs), anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory signaling can be induced by different patterns of the fluid shear stress (SS) exerted by blood flow on ECs. Laminar blood flow with high magnitude is anti-inflammatory, while disturbed flow and laminar flow with low magnitude is pro-inflammatory. Endothelial mechanosensors are the key upstream signaling proteins in SS-induced pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Being transmembrane proteins, mechanosensors, not only experience fluid SS but also become regulated by the biomechanical properties of the lipid bilayer and the cytoskeleton. We review the apparent effects of pro-inflammatory factors (hypoxia, oxidative stress, hypercholesterolemia, and cytokines) on the biomechanics of the lipid bilayer and the cytoskeleton. An analysis of the available data suggests that the formation of a vicious circle may occur, in which pro-inflammatory cytokines enhance and attenuate SS-induced pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling, respectively.

Investigating SARS-CoV-2 transmission among co-workers in a University of Northern Italy during COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission among co-workers at the University of Genoa, Italy, during the second COVID-19 pandemic wave. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in October 2020 - March 2021: RT-PCR confirmed cases of COVID-19 notified to the Occupational Health Service were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Among the n = 201 notified cases, contact tracing of n = 53 individuals identified n = 346 close contacts. The household setting (IRR = 36.8; 95% CI: 4.9-276.8; p < 0.001) and sharing eating areas (IRR = 19.5; 95% CI: 2.5-153.9; p = 0.005) showed the highest Secondary Attack Rates (SARs) compared to the office setting. Fatigue (IRR= 17.1; 95% CI: 5.2-55.8; p < 0.001), gastrointestinal symptoms (IRR= 6.6; 95% CI: 2.9-15.2; p< 0.001) and cough (IRR= 8.2; 95% CI: 3.7-18.2; p= p< 0.001) were associated with transmission of infection. Polysymptomatic cases (IRR= 23.1; 95% CI: 3.1-169.2; p = 0.02) were more likely to transmit the infection. Among COVID-19 index cases aged >60 years (OR = 7.7; 95% CI: 1.9-31.9; p = 0.0046) SARs were higher than in other age groups. Wearing respiratory protections by both the case and the close contact resulted an effective measure compared with no use (IRR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.03-0.2; p = < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Accurate infection monitoring and contact tracing was useful to identify the main situations Conclusions: Accurate infection monitoring and contact tracing was useful to identify the main situations of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the workplace, and hence for risk assessment and prevention programs.

Reactogenicity of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in a Young Working Age Population: A Survey among Medical School Residents, within a Mass Vaccination Campaign, in a Regional Reference Teaching Hospital in Italy.

Vaccinations are a key prevention measure in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer), the first to receive authorization, was widely used in the mass vaccination campaign in Italy. Healthcare workers were identified as a priority group for vaccination, but few studies have assessed its reactogenicity among the young working age population. An online survey was conducted to investigate the adverse reactions occurring in the 7 days following the first and second vaccination doses amongst resident doctors of the University of Genoa, employed at the IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino of Genoa, between 11 January and 16 March 2021. A total of 512 resident physicians were invited to participate in the study (female = 53.2%; mean age = 28.9 years), of whom 296 (female = 53.4%, mean age = 28.9 years) and 275 (female = 55.3%, mean age = 29.1 years) completed the survey after their first and second vaccination doses, respectively. In the 7 days following the first dose, most common adverse reactions were local pain (96.3%), fatigue (42.6%), headache (33.8%), arthromyalgia (28.0%), and 5.1% reported fever, while following the second dose, participants reported local pain (93.5%), fatigue (74.9%), headache (57.5%), arthromyalgia (58.2%), and fever (30.9%), with a higher prevalence among females. Systemic (but not local) reactions increased following the second vaccination, reaching severe intensity in 9.8% of participants and causing three or more events of moderate intensity in 23.7% of participants. Adverse reactions preventing regular daily activities could cause absenteeism among workers. These results can be useful to inform populations of young individuals, set expectations, and improve adherence to vaccination campaigns.

Two Motors and One Spring: Hypothetic Roles of Non-Muscle Myosin II and Submembrane Actin-Based Cytoskeleton in Cell Volume Sensing.

Changes in plasma membrane curvature and intracellular ionic strength are two key features of cell volume perturbations. In this hypothesis we present a model of the responsible molecular apparatus which is assembled of two molecular motors [non-muscle myosin II (NMMII) and protrusive actin polymerization], a spring [a complex between the plasma membrane (PM) and the submembrane actin-based cytoskeleton (smACSK) which behaves like a viscoelastic solid] and the associated signaling proteins. We hypothesize that this apparatus senses changes in both the plasma membrane curvature and the ionic strength and in turn activates signaling pathways responsible for regulatory volume increase (RVI) and regulatory volume decrease (RVD). During cell volume changes hydrostatic pressure (HP) changes drive alterations in the cell membrane curvature. HP difference has opposite directions in swelling versus shrinkage, thus allowing distinction between them. By analogy with actomyosin contractility that appears to sense stiffness of the extracellular matrix we propose that NMMII and actin polymerization can actively probe the transmembrane gradient in HP. Furthermore, NMMII and protein-protein interactions in the actin cortex are sensitive to ionic strength. Emerging data on direct binding to and regulating activities of transmembrane mechanosensors by NMMII and actin cortex provide routes for signal transduction from transmembrane mechanosensors to cell volume regulatory mechanisms.

In vivo Evaluation of a Newly Synthesized Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor in a Transgenic Drosophila Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by disrupted memory, learning functions, reduced life expectancy, and locomotor dysfunction, as a result of the accumulation and aggregation of amyloid peptides that cause neuronal damage in neuronal circuits. In the current study, we exploited a transgenic Drosophila melanogaster line, expressing amyloid-ß peptides to investigate the efficacy of a newly synthesized acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, named XJP-1, as a potential AD therapy. Behavioral assays and confocal microscopy were used to characterize the drug effect on AD symptomatology and amyloid peptide deposition. The symptomatology induced in this particular transgenic model recapitulates the scenario observed in human AD patients, showing a shortened lifespan and reduced locomotor functions, along with a significant accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain. XJP-1 treatment resulted in a significant improvement of AD symptoms and a reduction of amyloid plaques by diminishing the amyloid aggregation rate. In comparison with clinically effective AD drugs, our results demonstrated that XJP-1 has similar effects on AD symptomatology, but at 10 times lower drug concentration than donepezil. It also showed an earlier beneficial effect on the reduction of amyloid plaques at 10 days after drug treatment, as observed for donepezil at 20 days, while the other drugs tested have no such effect. As a novel and potent AChE inhibitor, our study demonstrates that inhibition of the enzyme AChE by XJP-1 treatment improves the amyloid-induced symptomatology in Drosophila, by reducing the number of amyloid plaques within the fruit fly CNS. Thus, compound XJP-1 has the therapeutic potential to be further investigated for the treatment of AD.

Pleiotropic and Potentially Beneficial Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species on the Intracellular Signaling Pathways in Endothelial Cells.

Endothelial cells (ECs) are exposed to molecular dioxygen and its derivative reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are now well established as important signaling messengers. Excessive production of ROS, however, results in oxidative stress, a significant contributor to the development of numerous diseases. Here, we analyze the experimental data and theoretical concepts concerning positive pro-survival effects of ROS on signaling pathways in endothelial cells (ECs). Our analysis of the available experimental data suggests possible positive roles of ROS in induction of pro-survival pathways, downstream of the Gi-protein-coupled receptors, which mimics insulin signaling and prevention or improvement of the endothelial dysfunction. It is, however, doubtful, whether ROS can contribute to the stabilization of the endothelial barrier.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 during the early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a cross-sectional study among medical school physicians and residents employed in a regional reference teaching hospital in Northern Italy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical presentation and burden of SARS-CoV-2 infections among medical school physicians and residents, mainly young medical doctors. The awareness of COVID­19 clinical manifestations can improve the early detection of mild cases, possibly reducing further transmission to colleagues and patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in March-May 2020, involving medical school physicians in a teaching hospital in northern Italy, with a working population of 881 medical doctors. Data collection was performed using a structured form investigating clinical and epidemiological information. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-two medical doctors contacted the Occupational Health Service reporting acute respiratory symptoms or close contact exposure to a confirmed COVID­19 case. Among the confirmed COVID­19 cases, most were male doctors during residency, and 85% presented a mild clinical picture. Fever (70.3%) and cough (51.4%) represented the most prevalent symptoms of COVID­19. As revealed by the univariate analysis, the prevalence of real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity increased with age (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.14, p = 0.012), working in a COVID­19 ward (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.09-10.21, p = 0.031), presenting alteration or loss of smell/taste (OR = 10.00, 95%CI: 2.80-35.69, p < 0.001) and myalgia (OR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.00-10.26, p = 0.046), while being a resident (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.80, p = 0.030) was associated with reduced odds of being infected, compared to staff physicians. Age and loss of smell/taste were the only factors independently associated with RT-PCR positivity. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of COVID­19 cases showed a mild clinical syndrome, ranging from absence or paucity of symptoms to common cold or influenza-like symptoms. The findings of the present study increase the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis for the prompt identification and management of suspected COVID­19 cases, being particularly useful during resurges of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(2):189-201.

Italian Health Care Workers' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Human Papillomavirus Infection and Prevention.

Objective: To assess healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, related diseases, and prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter survey about HPV and its prevention, targeted to healthcare workers involved in HPV vaccine counseling, was performed from May 2017 to December 2018. Results: The overall median knowledge and attitude scores were 69.2% (25-75, p = 61.5-84.6) and 5 (25-75, p = 4-5), respectively. Both knowledge and attitudes statistically significantly differ between physicians and healthcare professions. The median propensity score before and after the educational intervention was stable and high, at 10 (25-75, p = 9-10). The predictors of statistically significantly high knowledge scores are to be a physician, general practitioner, or pediatrician, attending courses/congresses, and consulting technical product characteristics and scientific literature to obtain information about the HPV vaccine. Being a physician and consulting scientific literature to obtain information about the HPV vaccine were found also as predictors of statistically significantly different attitude scores among study participants. Conclusions: Although healthcare workers showed overall positive attitudes towards the relevance of HPV burden and prevention tools, demonstrated knowledge was largely suboptimal, particularly that shown by healthcare professions. Obtained results allow highlighting knowledge gaps, and thus improving counselling to HPV vaccine targets.

Correlation of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Hematological Parameters in Blood Cancer Patients from Sardinia, Italy.

Background: Over the last few decades, there has been a dramatic increase in hematological malignancies (HMs) in the population of Sardinia. It is accepted that oxidative stress biomarkers have been demonstrated to be prognostically important in various neoplastic diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum vitamin E, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in 80 Sardinian patients with different HMs [acute myeloid leukemia (AML)(n=20), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) (n=20), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (n=20) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (n=20)] on the day of their diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Samples from all participants were obtained after an overnight fast (at least 10 hours). This study was approved and conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines and the Declaration of Helsinki. Patients and controls provided written, informed consent before entering the study. All study participants' medical history and their medication were documented upon enrolling. Results: Lower levels of TAC and Vitamin E were observed in most of the studied groups compared to healthy controls (0.41-0.49 mmol/L vs. 0.56 mmol/L) (19.55-28.55 µmol/L vs. 34.51 µmol/L). Moreover, higher average MDA levels were observed in HL and NHL patients compared to healthy controls (16.6 ng/ml-17.8 ng/ml vs. 7.4 ng/ml). Additionally, the ROS values of all studied groups were found elevated. Serum TAC showed significant negative correlations with MDA values (R= -0.51; P<0.001). Statistical significance was observed in all hematological parameters, producing either positive or negative correlation with at least one OS biomarker. Conclusion: The present data suggest that Sardinian patients with HL and NHL on the day of their diagnosis presented the highest OS in comparison to AML and healthy subjects. Moreover, MDS patients presented high OS status. Likewise, our results also indicated that changes in their hematological indices are eminent of their oxidative and antioxidative status.

Patterns of Harmful Alcohol Consumption among Truck Drivers: Implications for Occupational Health and Work Safety from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Alcohol consumption is one of the main causes of productivity losses arising from absenteeism, presenteeism, and workplace injuries. Among occupational categories most affected by the use of this substance, truck drivers are subject to risk factors and risky behaviors that can have a serious impact on their health, their work, and the general road safety. The use of alcohol during truck-driving activities is, indeed, an important risk factor for traffic accidents. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims at synthesizing the literature regarding harmful alcohol consumption patterns among truck drivers in a rigorous way. A 'binge drinking' prevalence of 19.0%, 95% confidence interval or CI (13.1, 26.9) was present. An 'everyday drinking' pattern rate of 9.4%, 95% CI (7.0, 12.4) was found, while the rate of alcohol misuse according to the "Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test" (AUDIT)-"Cut down-Annoyed-Guilty-Eye opener questionnaire" (CAGE) instruments was computed to be of 22.7%, 95% CI (14.8, 33.0). No evidence of publication bias could be found. However, there is the need to improve the quality of published research, utilizing standardized reliable instruments. The knowledge of these epidemiological data can be useful for decision makers in order to develop, design, and implement ad hoc adequate policies.